<windows root>\system32\ntoskrnl.exe - error message

[Eli]

Hi,

I upgraded my home computer from ME to XP Home about six
months ago. At the end of June 2004 my home computer
started to thrash loud and it was making a grinding
noise. The screen went black and it had an error message
which said: "Windows could not start because the
following file is missing or currupt - <windows
root>\system32\ntoskrnl.exe - Please re-install a copy of
the above file". I went to a computer store to have it
checked and was told they couldn't find why this file was
missing or currupt. I was told to re-install XP Home and
I did. My computer was running fine, and then it happened
again on 7/19/04.

Why does this happen? Is it a virus or is my hard drive
ready to die? If anyone has answers to this question
please provide.

Thanks,
-Eli

 

[Colin Nash [MVP]]

It could be the hard drive. To run a test on it, try the PowerMax program
from Maxtor. If your drive is a Maxtor or Quantum, it can give you an error
code that you can use get an RMA (replacement drive.) Even if the drive is
made by another company, it will still do a test. Other companies have
similar tools on their web sites.

Download it here: http://www.maxtor.com/en/support/downloads/powermax.htm
(you probably want the ATA version.) When you run the program, it creates a
boot floppy that runs the test. So you'll need a blank floppy diskette
handy.

A grinding noise is usually a sign of a drive dying. So is a "tick tick
tick tick tick..... tick tick tick tick tick "